Letters to the editor: Folic acid in bread/flour advocate Lyall Thurston must get credit

Lyall Thurston has fought for 40 years to have folic acid added to bread and flour. Photo / Andrew Warner

Congratulations to Lakes DHB member Lyall Thurston (News, July 10).

Following 40 rocky years of tireless advocacy to fortify bread-making flour with folic acid, to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida, he has finally succeeded in his goal.

In 2009, when both the New Zealand and Australian Governments agreed on mandatory fortification, the National Govt backed out of this decision.

How sad, however, that this vital policy, now, at last, approved, and expected to prevent between 162-240 neural tube defects over 40 years, will not be implemented until mid to late 2023.

Chair of Lakes DHB, Dr Jim Mather, acknowledged Thurston's leadership in the area, which he called an "important issue for our tamariki and future generations".

"He toka tū moana. You are the rock in tumultuous seas and tremendous storms, to be able to withstand all the challenges over the years."

Congratulations Mr Folate. (Abridged)

Jackie Evans
Pukehangi

Road works

The Rotorua Daily Post reported (News, July 10) the extremely lengthy traffic stoppage at Te Ngae the previous day.

The people doing the road works must be able to respect and inform the vehicle drivers when they expect them to sit motionless for so long. I suggest the road works management arrange for portaloos, coffee carts etc to be stationed alongside the affected road.

The truckies, tradies, bus drivers and the rest of us would appreciate this.
The increasing number of smashed road cones in the vicinity is not great for the environment. (Abridged)

Judy Smith
Okere Falls

Fairness for elderly

We "old 'uns" are a considerable part of Rotorua, we, many of us, have deep roots in the country and even stronger ties to Rotorua, therefore, I believe we should have a much stronger influence in what happens, with how our rates are spent, and what the elected councillors plan and activate in our name.

I have joined Grey Power with just this in mind, to see that everybody - including we retired folk, get a fair shake of the stick.

Most of us have lived long and active lives, we have seen much and been active in many fields, many have served their country in the battle for freedom and are well versed in how to obtain the best results.

When it comes to getting a square deal for our dollars we intend to ask questions and make sure we get answers, in the demand for better value from food chains, power companies, road and transport, and pensions.
Jim Adams
Rotorua

School camps

Graham Henton (Opinion, July 10) is proud of his career and so he should be. What a boost it must be when an ex-pupil comes up to you and says "I'm where I am today because you believed in me".

School camps are the best, especially going in the bush (fond memories), but sadly those days are all but gone with risk management assessment systems and health and safety gone mad.

Outdoor camps are now in the too-hard basket. (Abridged)

Gavin Muir
Rotorua

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